At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, create exciting menus, and ensure food safety.
- Company: Willow Lodge, a forward-thinking care home with a fresh approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, regular hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a growing organisation focused on community and personal development.
- Why this job: Enjoy a balanced lifestyle while making a real difference in residents' lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchens, creativity in menu planning, and knowledge of food safety.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 € per year.
£45,000 per annum (depending on experience) 40 hours per week (7am - 6pm) Willow Lodge, 46 Shrewsbury Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 6BH.
Willow Lodge is the first in our portfolio to operate the Household Model of Care, a fresh, relationship-led approach built around small, familiar communities of around 12 people within the home.
You are a fab chef, love to learn and want to progress. You have experience working in restaurants and/or nursing homes, you have ideas for menus and understand that food is the window to the soul! You have learned alongside another chef how to manage kitchens, including EHO requirements.
However, you are tired of long days, split shifts, working through into the night and not getting time at home with family or to go out with friends. What if there was a chef role that meant you could utilise all the learning you have had before AND you could forget long hours into the night, you didn’t need to do split shifts and you had the opportunity to bring flair to menus whilst also learning about the nutritional needs of our older population? Would that be something you would love to do?
This is an exciting opportunity to work with a forward-thinking and growing organisation. As the Head Chef at Willow Lodge, you will be placed at the heart of the home. You will ensure the kitchens on the individual households are consistently safe, well-led, compliant and audited.
Head Chef in Surrey employer: EQ Care Group
Willow Lodge offers an exceptional work environment for chefs seeking a balanced lifestyle and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our residents. With a focus on fresh, relationship-led care, we provide a supportive culture that encourages creativity in menu planning while prioritising work-life balance with no late nights or split shifts. Join us in a role where your culinary skills can shine, and you can grow professionally within a nurturing community in the heart of Redhill.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might know about opportunities at Willow Lodge. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet with the hiring team, bring along some of your menu ideas or even a sample dish. This will demonstrate your passion and flair for cooking, which is exactly what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your experience! Think about how your past roles have shaped your skills in managing kitchens and meeting EHO requirements. We want to hear how you’ve tackled challenges and what you’ve learned along the way.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our forward-thinking team at Willow Lodge.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Cooking:Let us see your love for food shine through in your application! Share your culinary journey, favourite dishes, and any unique ideas you have for menus. We want to know what makes you tick as a chef!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention your experience in both restaurants and nursing homes. We’re looking for someone who understands the balance between creativity and nutritional needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills!
Keep It Personal:We’re all about relationships here at Willow Lodge, so make your application feel personal. Use a friendly tone and let us know why you’re excited about this role and how you can contribute to our community.
Apply Through Our Website:To make things easier for us both, please apply through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application lands directly in our hands, ready for us to review!
How to prepare for a job interview at EQ Care Group
✨Showcase Your Culinary Passion
Make sure to express your love for cooking and how it connects to the role. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or menus you've designed that reflect your creativity and understanding of nutrition, especially for older adults.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to discuss your experience in managing kitchens and how you've handled challenges in the past. Highlight any mentoring roles you've taken on and how you foster a positive kitchen environment.
✨Know the Household Model of Care
Familiarise yourself with the Household Model of Care that Willow Lodge employs. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to this approach and enhance the dining experience for residents, making it more personal and community-focused.
✨Prepare Questions About Work-Life Balance
Since the role promises a better work-life balance, think of insightful questions to ask about scheduling and team dynamics. This shows you're serious about maintaining a healthy balance while still being committed to delivering excellent food and service.
